Stage name: DJ Aphrodite
Name: Kevin (Cavin) Friday
Location: London, United Kingdom
Genres: Drum’n’Bass, Jungle, Jump-Up
Labels: Aphrodite Recordings, Urban Takeover, V2 Recordings
Overview
DJ Aphrodite is a legendary British producer, DJ, and one of the founding fathers of the Jungle genre, who had a tremendous influence on the evolution of the entire Drum’n’Bass scene. His name is inseparable from the emergence of the Jump-Up style — an energetic, rhythmic, and “broken-beat” direction that defined the sound of British clubs in the 1990s.
Throughout his career, Aphrodite became a symbol of old-school sound, merging funk grooves, reggae samples, and heavy bass. His tracks have been played across the globe, shaping an entire generation of electronic music fans.
Early Life and Beginnings
Kevin Friday was born and raised in the UK. He became passionate about music in his youth, inspired by early electronic experiments and breakbeats. In the early 1990s, during the rise of rave culture, he began producing his own tracks, experimenting with samples and rhythmic structures that would later define the jungle sound.
During this period, he released music under various aliases, including Amazon II and Alladin, demonstrating his versatility and passion for new sounds. These early releases established his trademark style built on broken rhythms, heavy basslines, and reggae and hip-hop samples.
Style Formation and First Success
Among Aphrodite’s first major works were iconic tracks like "King Of The Beats", "Woman That Rolls", "Tower Bass", and "Style From The Dark Side". These compositions became classics and were featured on the compilation “Aphrodite”, released at the turn of the 1990s. The album became a benchmark of jump-up drum’n’bass and earned him international recognition.
At the same time, DJ Aphrodite collaborated with Micky Finn — another pioneer of the scene. Together they founded the label Urban Takeover, which released some of the most recognizable records in UK drum’n’bass history.
Own Label — Aphrodite Recordings
To fully realize his creative vision, Kevin launched his own independent label, Aphrodite Recordings, focusing on his productions and supporting young artists. The label became a platform for old-school sound, preserving the 90s jungle spirit in the era of digital production.
Debut Album and Recognition
Although DJ Aphrodite already had an extensive discography of singles and remixes, his first official studio album, “Aphrodite”, was released on September 1, 2000 via V2 Recordings. The record was a powerful statement that merged old-school aesthetics with modern production. Featuring 12 tracks — including new versions of hits and fresh material — it solidified his title as the “King of the Beats.”
Second Album — Aftershock
Just two years later, on June 2, 2002, Aphrodite released his second studio album, “Aftershock”. It continued the evolution of his sound and featured collaborations with Barrington Levy (a reggae icon) and vocalist Wildflower. “Aftershock” received warm reviews for its high-quality production and diverse sound — ranging from classic jungle to melodic and experimental tracks.
Further Releases
After the success of his two studio albums, DJ Aphrodite released a number of compilations, remixes, and club records, including:
- Urban Junglist (2003)
- TV Hits (2003)
- APH44 (2003)
- See Thru It (2004)
- Urbanthology Volume 1 (2005)
- Overdrive (2005)
- Break in Reality (2007)
The album “Break in Reality” marked the end of an era in his creative journey. Following its release, Kevin took a creative break, continuing to perform and occasionally release remixes.
Style and Influence
DJ Aphrodite is recognized as one of the architects of the jump-up sound — a subgenre of drum’n’bass tailored for clubs and raves. His music is characterized by punchy breakbeats, funky basslines, and positive energy. He successfully merged the underground vibe of jungle with mainstream appeal, paving the way for a new generation of DJs and producers.
Aphrodite’s influence can be heard in the works of DJ Zinc, Shy FX, DJ Hype, and many modern drum’n’bass and jungle artists.
Live Performances
In addition to his studio career, Aphrodite is renowned for his DJ sets — a blend of classic and contemporary tracks filled with drive and intensity. He has performed at some of the world’s biggest festivals and raves, including Glastonbury, Let It Roll, Sunbeatz, and Hospitality.
He often emphasizes the joy of connecting with live audiences: “There’s nothing like seeing 8,000 people vibing to your music. Yet the media rarely talk about that — they tend to focus on negativity instead of emotion and culture.”
Aliases and Projects
- Amazon II — a duo project with Micky Finn;
- Alladin — a solo alias for experimenting with alternative sounds.
Legacy and Modern Era
DJ Aphrodite is rightly considered one of the fathers of British drum’n’bass. His tracks are still played in clubs, and his name remains synonymous with the old-school and the golden age of jungle. He influenced not only the genre’s sound but also the evolution of DJing as an art form. Today, Aphrodite continues to tour worldwide, occasionally releasing rare sets and remixes for his loyal fans.
Interesting Facts
- One of the first producers to fuse breakbeat, rap, and reggae samples in a single track.
- His tracks have been featured on legendary compilations such as Fabric Live and Drum & Bass Arena.
- Fans often refer to him as the “King of the Beats” — after his iconic track.
Conclusion
DJ Aphrodite is a true pioneer and legend who helped shape the sound of jungle and jump-up drum’n’bass. His contribution to electronic music is immeasurable — from early underground releases to global hits, from London’s clubs to massive international festivals. His music embodies energy, freedom, and respect for the roots of rave culture.
